Dr Keith Rowley, accompanied by his national security and foreign ministers makes his way to the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at its Nineteenth Special Meeting on 3 May 2019 in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on Security, specifically the management of the Regional Security Framework.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, May 4, 2019 - CARICOM's Lead Head with responsibility for crime and security, Trinidad and Tobago's Dr. Keith Rowley, says the Region's leaders are well aware that the sustainable development of the Community depended on the safety and security of its citizens.

Addressing the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at its Nineteenth Special Meeting, which took place yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago, prime minister Rowley alluded to the evolving nature of security threats to the Region which included those resulting from globalization such as human and narco-trafficking, money laundering, illegal migration and deportation, growing radicalism and terrorism, as well as those related to the application of technology, the emergence of privatization of security, economic issues, environmental and health issues.

To this end, he reiterated the importance of CARICOM’s Regional Security Framework, “to combat transnational crime and security threats”.

“I maintain that a robust regional security architecture is essential to the security of Member States”, he said.

“Our Regional Security Framework is the mechanism through which greater collaboration among the Regional Security Forces and Regional Institutions and other entities will operate….”, he continued.

Dr. Rowley flagged the need for “a robust legal framework to be developed, highlighting the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the Advance Cargo Information System(ACIS) and mechanisms for the collection and sharing of information, in this regard. He called as well for outstanding Legal Security Instruments to be signed and ratified by Member States.

With respect to the continuing situation in Venezuela, the Lead Head signaled the Conference’s endorsement of the view of the Chair of the Community, Dr. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, whom he said noted “that all of us Heads of Government are collectively charged with ensuring the continued security and stability of our beloved Caribbean Region.... and ensuring a peaceful solution to the issue is our first and foremost priority as we work in unison to safeguard our people’s future.”

Crime and security is the fourth pillar of the regional integration process and the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) coordinates security and law enforcement arrangements across the Community. The Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019identifies Enhancing Citizen Security and Justice as a strategy of its Social Resilience Strategic Priority.